i'm a new member to this forum with a simple question. i just got a new shotgun with a walnut stock. i'll be using it primarly for upland game, including rabbit, so it will be beaten by the brush pretty well. is their a product i can apply to help protect and preserve the stock from nicks, cuts, and scratches? i've seen some waxes and stuff at the sporting good stores. are those any good? i know normal wear and tear will take place, but would like to protect it as much as i can.

cntryboy1289

January 3, 2006, 11:38 PM

Welcome to the forum first of all.

Couple of ways to go about solving your problem:

#1, get a set of gun chaps for it. They make a camoflaged set of gun chaps that velcro over the original stock and do a great job of protecting the gun.

#2, get yourself a synthetic stock to go on it when you are going to be out in the brush hunting.

I would opt for the new stock myself. You didn't mention what gun you have, but if it has much value to it now, having the original Walnut stock put up in safe for a rainy day would increase the value if you ever decided to get rid of the gun or just wanted to keep it.

5whiskey

January 4, 2006, 07:10 PM

well, I agree with country boy. A new stock would be best, especially if your sporting a browning, benelli, or something like that. If it's an 870 express, well, I would just wrap something around to help protect it. Gun chaps are fine, but I'm a tight wad. I used and old tobacco sheet for mine, if you know what that is. It's made out of natural fiber burlap. It's also excellent for camoflage and grass and leaves can be woven in it to break up the gun outline.

doubleD

January 4, 2006, 07:30 PM

as another newbie to the forum, let me say welcome :)

As to your stock, you will not find any wax or finish which is going to protect agaist good brush scraches, nicks, cuts or possible barbed wire encounters. Modern finishes are tough compared to past years, but nothing impervious to the possible encounters you describe. Therefore, I definately agree with cntryboy and wheeler, with my first choice also being a synthetic stock.

good luck

csmgrimes

January 6, 2006, 06:12 PM

thanks all for the replies and advice. i may look into the chaps. the gun isn't anything too special or expensive, i just like to protect and take care of my gear. the gun is a stoeger uplander special (SxS) 20 ga. 26 inch barrels and screw-in choke tubes. took my first rabbit using it just two days ago. the first of many i hope. thanks again.

dfaugh

January 7, 2006, 10:48 AM

Modern polyurethane finish (like in any home improvement store) is very tough stuff(essentially a plastic coating)...strong enough to keep scratches down and even small dings (I use it on custom furniture)...Easily repaired, and removed if necessary....Just a thought